THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO MY TWIN BROTHER, BILL DYKES (1943-1995). WE WERE NOT ONLY BROTHERS BUT PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND BEST FRIENDS!AND TO ALL THE "BUTCHERS" THAT HAVE PASSED ON TO THE BIG LOT IN THE SKY!

Friday, January 8, 2010

STAFF PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND A performer hangs from the trapeze during the opening act of the Cirquesa- Dreamquest in Venice on Wednesday. The show runs through Jan. 18 and benefits the Sertoma Club of Venice.By KAITLIN GRIFFITHHerald-Tribune Intern

Published: Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 9:04 p.m.VENICE - Circus fans gathered under the big top Wednesday night for a sneak preview of Cirquesa-Dreamquest, which opens today and runs through Jan. 18.Produced by brothers Noe and Ivan Espana of Englewood, Cirquesa-Dreamquest is visiting the city for its second year.Some of the proceeds benefit Sertoma Club of Venice.Cirquesa-Dreamquest is a family-operated circus of fifth-generation performers.Cirquesa-Dreamquest is the story of Michael, a young boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The journey begins in Michael's fantasy world, where his deceased mother promises to take him to the circus. As the circus progresses, Michael earns puzzle pieces for balance, strength and courage.Cirquesa has new acts including the Icarian games, tight wire, singing trapeze and acrobatic disc dogs. Cirquesa performed in Canada, Puerto Rico and other locations around the world. Cirquesa-Dreamquest will be presented under the European-style tents at 851 Venetia Bay Blvd.Tickets are $27 for ringside seating, $18 for preferred seating and $13 for general admission.Children under 3 are admitted free.(from the Sarasota Herald Tribune)

Thanks! Mike Naughton!This image is from the new 2010 Funundrum tour of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. (FELD ENTERTAINMENT)

From the Orlando Sentinel

For the biggest show on earth, namely the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the long performing season begins in Florida.In 2010, the company sends three shows through nine cities in the Sunshine State.The all-new gold tour titled Illuscination hits West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Lakeland and Tallahassee.The red tour titled Zing Zang Zoom makes a stop in Miami.And the all-new blue tour titled Funundrum heads to Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville.Details are below:

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Blackpool-based circus ringmaster Norman Barrett was delighted when he heard he had been awarded an MBE for services to the entertainment world in the New Year Honours List.He is the first ringmaster to receive an honour, but the 74-year-old entertainer says the accolade recognises everyone who has helped make circus the art form it is today.He said: "I was very surprised because over the years, although the circus is an art form, we have always missed out on awards like this."So to be included means I'm absolutely thrilled for myself and for everyone in the circus industry to be recognised in this way. The good thing about circus is that it's coming back again. With the greatest respect, television isn't what it used to be and people want to go out and see live shows."We are performing to more teenagers than ever before."Norman started performing when he was 12 and joined the Bertram Mills Circus in 1959 where he rose from animal presenter and trainer to senior ringmaster.He came to Blackpool Tower Circus in 1973, where he appeared with the legendary clown Charlie Caroli, and became famous as the ringmaster as well as for his unique comedy budgie act which sees the birds play on slides and roundabouts.He said: "I have very fond memories of the Tower Circus and of working there with the great Charlie Caroli. The Tower Circus is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world."Mr Barrett still lives in Blackpool, but is currently performing with his budgie act in Frankfurt, Germany. Then he will rejoin Zippos Circus on its tour this summer.He added: "I love every moment of what I do. My wife and I don't spend a lot of time in Blackpool because we are always going here and there."But we both have fun going to these places. There are two real hams left – me and Ken Dodd. We just love to entertain!"Martin Burton, founder of Zippos Circus, where Mr Barrett has been ringmaster since 2001, said: "Norman, with his inimitable style and showmanship, is recognised across the globe as the world's greatest living ringmaster."People in the circus industry are very rarely recognised for their achievements, the role they play within the community and the pleasure they bring to so many. This award is long overdue for Norman and a triumph for the circus as a whole."

Sunday, January 3, 2010

TAMPA - For 140 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has let kids be kids and adults be kids, too.

To mark the 200th birthday of circus entertainer extraordinaire P.T. Barnum, organizers promise the making of their biggest, over-the-top show to date when it roars into town Jan. 6 with Barnum's FUNundrum, a celebration inspired by the greatest showman who ever lived.

"He was just a man who was all about building up to something unbelievable," said circus director Amy Tinkham. "He was about complete escape; this (year) is totally about spectacle. The acts are amazing."

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey pulled back the curtain on rehearsals this week at the Florida State Fairgrounds, where the circus sets up shop each year in the weeks before performances begin.

The extravaganza features a troupe with seven motorcyclists zooming around a 16-foot "Spherical Miracle"; high-wire artists performing 40 feet in the air at a 45-degree angle; plus the "Masters of Musculature" using their bodies in a mind-blowing world of distortion and contortion.

"This year is going to bigger and bolder than ever before," said Alana Feld, who, for the first time, is co-producing the circus act with her sister, Nicole Feld - both of whom are executive vice presidents for Feld Entertainment Inc. "I am so excited for what's to come."

Also making his debut today was Barack, a baby Asian elephant born Jan. 19. In addition to the elephant, other animal performers on the floor in January are tigers, ponies, horses and goats.

Hi All!Please add this to your informative blogs for all to see! We're only 1 month away from the "Winter Circus Mixer", to be held on January 16, 2010, in Baraboo, WI @ The Farm Kitchen!All are welcome, as "We're Going Public"! Contact information is included, on the flyer, and reservations are helpful!Hope to see all of you in Boo!Pete, the Baraboobian!Peter Sturgispjsturgis@yahoo.com